Fun Family Films

No Ordinary Fairy Tale: The Princess Bride

2010-07-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

Release Date: September 25th, 1987
Runtime: 98 min
Rating: PG
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

I love The Princess Bride. This is one of my all time favorite family movies. It has a whole lot of good actors, humor, action, and a fun and memorable story. Although the effects don't seem nearly as amazing today as they did when I watched this as a child it stills holds it's awe value.

When a sick boy is visited by his grandfather who offers to read him a book, hes not exactly pleased at the sound of it. He quickly changes his mind however when his grandfather starts reading it. While listening to his grandfather read they begin to see another world, a world of magic and adventure. In this world there is a lovely girl named Buttercup and her one true love Westley. When Buttercup gets news that Westley has been killed at sea while seeking fortune she swears never to love again. Then after some time passes Buttercup accepts a marriage proposal from the rich and handsome prince Humperdink, heir to the throne of Florin. What the princess doesn't realize though is that even death can't keep Westley away. A few years later Buttercup is kidnapped by an odd trio of men including a giant, an expert swordsman, and a brainiac and now its up to Westley to save her.

I'd definitely recommend this gem for all age groups. Young and old alike will get a lot of laughs out of The Princess Bride.

The Princess Bride on IMDB
The Princes Bride Trailer on Metacafe.com

If you've seen The Princess Bride and enjoyed it you may also like: The Neverending Story, Labyrinth, Ever After - A Cinderella Story, Enchanted, Robin Hood - Men in Tights

Prepare for Awesomeness: Kung Fu Panda

2010-06-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Release Date: June 6th, 2008
Runtime: 92 min
Rating: PG for sequences of martial arts action
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

Kung Fu Panda was an incredibly cute movie. The graphics were great, the writing was fun and witty, and the voice actors did a great job. I had quite a few good laughs during this film. Although the story was pretty straight forward and a lot of moments were predictable, those likely moments seemed to be part of the joke and just made it that much more fun.

Kung Fu Panda is about an overweight panda named Po who works as a waiter in his father's noodle shop who has dreams that hes a great kung fu master. One day he is given a chance to make his dreams come true when the wise Master Oogway chooses Po as the mighty Dragon Warrior who will fulfill an ancient prophecy. Po then gets to train along side his idols known as the furious five under the leadership of Master Shifu. When word comes that the vengeful snow leopard Tai Lung escapes from prison and is heading their way Po has to straighten up and put his skills to the test because its up to him to save the day.

Kung Fu Panda is another movie that can safely be watched by children and enjoyed by all. It even has a few life lessons thrown into the fun as well.

Kung Fu Panda on IMDB
Kung Fu Panda Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Kung Fu Panda and enjoyed it you may also like: How to Train Your Dragon, Over the Hedge, Bolt, Madagascar, Ratatouille, Mulan

Not Perfect, but Still a Load of Fun: Monsters vs. Aliens

2010-06-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Release Date: March 27th, 2009
Runtime: 94 min
Rating: PG for sci-fi action, crude humor and mild language
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

Although Monsters vs Aliens certainly isn't one of the best animated movies I've seen recently I did enjoy watching it. The animation was great, the story was decent, and the voice-actors did a great job. This film featured several very talented actors including Hugh Laurie, Reese Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland, Rainn Wilson and many others. My personal favorite was B.O.B. the amorphous blob voiced by Seth Rogen, he did an incredible job and was quite funny.

When a radioactive meteor falls from space and hits Susan Murphy on her wedding day she is transformed into a platinum-haired giant. Susan is immediately taken away by the government to a secret underground facility where they call her "Ginormica". At this facility Susan meets a group of other bizarre creatures who call themselves monsters. When a villainous alien named Gallaxhar unleashes a giant robot probe in San Fransisco the governments last hope of defense is to let the "monsters" out to defend the planet.

If you're looking for a fun film to watch with the whole family Monsters vs. Aliens should definitely be put somewhere on the top of the list.

Monsters vs. Aliens on IMDB
Monsters vs. Aliens Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Monsters vs. Aliens and enjoyed it you may also like: Wall-E, Monsters, Inc., Lilo & Stitch, Ice Age, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Planet 51

Colorful and Creepy: Coraline

2010-06-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

Release Date: February 6th, 2009
Runtime: 96 min
Rating: PG for thematic events, scary images, some language and suggestive humer
Appropriate for Ages: 8 and up

I watched Coraline last night and I really enjoyed it. It's definitely one of the darker kids movies I've seen recently. It had kind of a Alice in Wonderland meets Beetle Juice sort of feel to it. The amazing 3-D animation, great story and unique music really make this one a treasure.

Coraline Jones and her parents just moved to a new apartment in a huge old house called "The Pink Palace". Coraline feels bored and disdain toward her parents who are always busy working on their computers. While exploring her new home Coraline comes across a tiny door which requires a button key to open. When she firsts opens it with her mother there the door only leads to a brick wall. When she comes back late at night and opens it again there is a colorful glowing passageway to another world behind the door. This other world is very similar to hers except for that everything seems better. The rooms are cleaner and more colorful and her "other" parents (who have button eyes) cook her lovely meals and care about her very much. Coraline enjoys this new world completely until her "Other Mother" tells her that if she wants to stay with them forever Coraline needs to sew buttons into her eyes. Horrified Coraline escapes back to her reality where her real parents have gone missing. Now Coraline must return back to the other world and free her parents if she ever wants to see them again.

I think Coraline would be a great watch for most adults and older children. It may be a little too scary and complex for younger children though.

Coraline on IMDB
Coraline Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Coraline and enjoyed it you may also like: Mirrormask, Tim Burton's Corpse Bride, 9, James and the Giant Peach, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Addams Family / Addams Family Values, Alice in Wonderland, Beetlejuice

An Extraordinary Film: Matilda

2010-06-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Release Date: August 2nd, 1996
Runtime: 98 min
Rating: PG for elements of exaggerated meanness and ridicule, and for some mild language
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

I love the movie Matilda. I've seen it several times and it's been just as entertaining each time. It's fun, funny, smart and it has some really good messages in it as well, such as promoting reading books as opposed to watching television. The acting was not only top notch by the lead roles but the supporting cast was also phenomenal.

Matilda is the story of a brilliant little girl who absolutely loves to read and learn, shes actually so smart that she develops telekinetic powers. Her family however doesn't approve of her reading and often just plain ignores her presence. Matilda ends up being sent off to school with probably the worlds meanest principal ever. At this school Matilda also meets and befriends the warm-hearted school teacher Miss Honey and several students as well. With the support of her friends and a lot of practice Matilda learns to harness her powers and strike back.

This is a movie I'd definitely recommend for a fun watch for the whole family.

Matilda on IMDB
Matilda Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Matilda and enjoyed it you may also like: A Little Princess, The Secret Garden, Nanny McPhee, James and the Giant Peach, Harriet the Spy

For the Tweens: Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

2010-06-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Release Date: February 10th, 2010
Runtime: 118 min
Rating: PG for action violence and peril, some scary images and suggestive material, and mild language
Appropriate for Ages: 10 and up

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief was an alright movie. Although it did have a relatively interesting plot and some nice graphics, I found a lot of the movie was pretty predictable and a lot of the characters were a little dull. If I could sum up this film in one word it would have to be "meh".

When a boy named Percy Jackson is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt he learn's that he's the son of one of the Greek gods (Poseidon, god of the sea). On his way to a special training camp for half-bloods Percy's mother is taken hostage by a minotaur and brought to the underworld where Hades is holding her hostage. Percy now must train and learn how to use his powers so that he can rescue his mother and retrieve the lighting bolt before an all out war erupts between the gods.

I'd recommend this movie for the pre-teen age group, it's certainly aimed at that audience. Adults may or may not find it entertaining as well depending on your movie taste.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief on IMDB
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief Trailer

If you've seen Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief and enjoyed it you may also like: The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Any of the Harry Potter Films, Bridge To Terabithia, Howl's Moving Castle, The Spiderwick Chronicles

Innocent and Beautiful: Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

2010-06-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

Release Date: August 14th, 2009
Runtime: 101 min
Rating: G
Appropriate for Ages: All Ages

I just finished watching Ponyo and I thought it was a beautiful piece of work. Although it was simpler and aimed towards a much younger audience than Miyazaki's previous works I still really enjoyed it. The animation was simple, yet amazing at the same time including scenes of thousands of brightly colored fish and a superb amount of detail.

Ponyo is an adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid . It's about a 5 year old boy named Sosuke who lives on an oceanside cliff who one day rescues a goldfish who was stuck in a bottle. He befriends the goldfish and names her Ponyo. In a bucket of water Sosuke takes Ponyo to school and the nursing home where his mother works and shows her to the residents. One of the residents warms Sosuke that "fish with faces" cause tsunamis and that it needs to be thrown back into the ocean at once. Sosuke angrily runs from the nursing home to be alone by the ocean with Ponyo. There Ponyo's powerful wizard father uses immense waves to take her back to the sea. After her return to the sea Ponyo decides that she wants to be human and with her powers inherited from her father and sea-goddess mother she turns herself into one. What she doesn't realize though is that the use of these powers is creating a huge imbalance in the world.

This was an absolutely wonderful film that can easily be enjoyed by any age group. I definitely recommend it.

Ponyo on IMDB
Ponyo Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Ponyo and enjoyed it you may also like: The Little Mermaid, Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Finding Nemo

Underrated Adventure: City of Ember

2010-06-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Release Date: October 10th, 2008
Runtime: 90 min
Rating: PG for mild peril and thematic events
Appropriate for Ages: 8 and up

First off, I have not read the book that City of Ember is based on, and I've heard many mixed reviews. Apparently most who read the book were disappointed. As a stand alone movie though I think this is a wonderful and highly engaging film filled with mystery and adventure.

For 200 years the citizens of the city of Ember have lived in a city full of artificial lights; where the sky is literally made up of light bulbs. Ember's power supply is waning though and blackouts are becoming more and more common. Now it's up to two teenagers in a race against time to unlock the mystery of the city of Ember and help the citizens escape before the lights go out forever.

I think the whole family can easily enjoy City of Ember. Basically If you've read the book you may be disappointed but for everyone else I think this might just be a treat.

City of Ember on IMDB
City of Ember Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen City of Ember and enjoyed it you may also like: The Water Horse - Legend of the Deep, Bridge To Terabithia, The Harry Potter Movies, Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Goonies, The Last Mimzy

Exceeded Expectations: Over the Hedge

2010-06-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

Release Date: May 19th, 2006
Runtime: 83 min
Rating: PG for some rude humor and mild comic action
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

I have to say going into this film I had low expectations, but I ending up being pleasantly surprised. Over the Hedge had top notch animation and a decent enough story. Although some of the characters were a bit predictable, the voice actors did an amazing job and they were far from boring.

One spring, a group of forest animals wake to find a huge hedge has appeared and that half of their forest is gone. Disappearing with half the forest was a good chunk of their food supply as well. Then a slick raccoon named RJ shows up and suggests that they should go over the fence and get food from humans who they have been quite afraid of. The animals listen to RJ and start heading over the hedge to steal their food, what they don't realize however is that RJ is actually using them to pay back a debt owed to a bear who has given him one week to restore his food supply, otherwise he becomes the food.

Although Over the Hedge isn't the next big thing since Toy Story or Finding Nemo it's still definitely worth a watch. This film also has a lot of appeal for children and adults alike.

Over the Hedge on IMDB
Over the Hedge Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Over the Hedge and enjoyed it you may also like: Open Season, The Wild, Madagascar, Ice Age, Bolt, Ratatouille, Finding Nemo, Shrek

A Different Kind of Fairy Tale: Enchanted

2010-06-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Release Date: November 21st, 2007
Runtime: 107 min
Rating: PG for some scary images and mild innuendo
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

Enchanted is a fun satire that takes the classic Disney fairy tale and clashes it with the harsh modern world. This film offers a little bit for everyone to enjoy. It had all of the usual fairy tale elements including singing, animals that talk, a beautiful princess, and even an evil stepmother but also presented many surprises. It offered quite a bit of humor and not just aimed at children, but adults as well.

Enchanted is about a beautiful princess-in-waiting named Giselle from the animated fairy tale world Andalasia. Giselle is waiting for her prince to come so that she can live happily ever after. Prince Edward hears her signing and is drawn in and they meet and fall in love immediately. However, before they can wed Giselle is banished by Prince Edward's evil stepmother down a magical well where she finds herself in the middle of a non-animated New York City and it's anything but magical and enchanting. Confused, and lost in her new environment she is not treated very well until she is helped by a friendly divorce lawyer as she waits for her prince charming to rescue her.

Although Enchanted is targeted mainly to young girls and their mothers, it can certainly be enjoyed by the entire family as it has much to offer for all.

Enchanted on IMDB
Enchanted Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Enchanted and enjoyed it you may also like: Stardust, Happily N'ever After, Ella Enchanted, The Princess Diaries, The Princess Bride, Sleeping Beauty

A Delicious Concoction: Ratatouille

2010-06-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

Release Date: June 29th, 2007
Runtime: 111 min
Rating: G
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

Ratatouille was a great addition the collection of Pixar films. As usual, the animation was stellar and incredibly meticulous. The story was very well-written; never talking down to the audience, and honestly it was just plain fun to watch.

Ratatouille is about a young rat named Remy who moves to Paris with huge dreams of being a chef. He has one big problem though, hes a rat. Instead of rummaging though garbage with the rest of his family Remy frequents the restaurant made famous by his culinary hero Auguste Gusteau. Opportunity comes knocking on Remy's door one day though when he teams up with the clumsy garbage boy named Linguini who is desperate to keep his job. Although Linguini has no cooking skills whatsoever, with Linguini's size and Remy's knowledge of cooking they form the perfect cooking team.

Although Ratatouille can certainly be seen by the entire family, its probably more suited for slightly older children who will better be able to understand the plot.

Ratatouille on IMDB
Ratatouille Trailer on IMDB

If you've seen Ratatouille and enjoyed it you may also like: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Planet 51, No Reservations, A Bug's Life, Flushed Away, Kung Fu Panda

Fun-Filled Adventure: The Incredibles

2010-06-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Release Date: November 5th, 2004
Runtime: 115 min
Rating: PG for action violence
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

The Incredibles was an incredibly cute movie. The graphics were phenomenal, the characters were unique and interesting, and the plot was quite engaging. The Incredibles also wasn't short on laughs at all.

Metroville is a city where superheros could once roam the streets saving the day. Then because of numerous lawsuits filed against the superheroes by people who had been saved, superheroes had to go into hiding and were forced to lead normal lives. 15 years later Bob Parr (aka. Mr. Incredible), his wife Helen (aka. Elastagirl) and their children Violet, Dash, and Jack Jack live ordinary lives in Metroville. Bob works a normal job as an insurance agent and is just itching for the good-old days of being a hero. When Bobs gets the chance again by a mysterious agent he jumps at the opportunity. He soon find out however that now his super-family is going to have to work together to save the day.

The Incredibles, although meant for the whole family may actually intrigue adults even more so than children at times. This is Definitely a must see.

The Incredibles on IMDB
The Incredibles Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen The Incredibles and enjoyed it you may also like: Sky High, Wall-E, Finding Nemo, Cars, Over the Hedge, Monsters, Inc.

Wholesome and Heartwarming: Secondhand Lions

2010-06-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Release Date: September 19th, 2003
Runtime: 111 min
Rating: PG for thematic material, language and action violence
Appropriate for Ages: 8 and up

I first watched Secondhand Lions when I was working at a movie theater. I hadn't seen the trailers and only started watching the movie because I had nothing else to do on a slow day. I'm glad I did give it a chance though because I found myself almost instantly drawn in. The story was quite engaging and the characters were unique and convincing.

13 year old Robert has had a difficult upbringing living with his prostitute mother. One day she drops him off to live with his eccentric great-uncles Hub and Garth who want nothing to do with him. The uncles are rumored to have some sort of fortune acquired from a time when they disappeared in their youth and Robert's mother hopes to get her hands on it. Although Hub and Garth wanted nothing to do with Robert at first, they begin to accept him and tell him wild stories of their youth. Robert discover's his great-uncles have lived great lives full of excitement, mystery, and adventure.

Secondhand Lions is a delightful watch. I think the whole family will get a lot out of this film, I just wouldn't recommend it for very young children as some of the content may be a little too complex for them.

Secondhand Lions on IMDB
Seconhand Lions Trailer from YouTube

If you've seen Secondhand Lions and liked it you may also enjoy: Lassie, Tim Burton's Corpse Bride, Kiki's Delivery Service, Chicken Run

Excellent Sci-Fi, Fantasy: The Last Mimzy

2010-06-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Release Date: March 23rd, 2007
Runtime: 90 min
Rating: PG for some thematic events, mild peril and language
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

The Last Mimsy left me pleasantly surprised. It is an excellent family movie with an engaging story that will get it's audience thinking outside the box.

The Last Mimzy is the story of a brother and sister named Noah and Emma. When Noah and Emma travel with their mother to their family cottage they find a mysterious box on the beach. Inside the box are a number of curious toys including a cute bunny doll named "Mimzy" who talks to Emma. Soon after the children begin to manifest special powers. They learn to speak with one another via telepathy and move objects around via psychokinesis. Noah'a teacher Larry and his wife become very interested in him when he sketches a mandala symbol from ancient Buddhism in class. Soon the children, their parents and their teacher are drawn into a mystery they couldn't even imagine.

The Last Mimsy is an intelligent and emotional film that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and what will probably make it especially appealing to children is that children are the central characters and only they have the power to save the day.

The Last Mimzy on IMDB
The Last Mimzy Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen The Last Mimzy and enjoyed it yoy may also like: Matilda, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, E.T., Flight of the Navigator, Escape to Witch Mountain, Stardust

An Emotional and Enchanting Ride: A Little Princess

2010-06-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Release Date: May 10th, 1995
Runtime: 97 min
Rating: G
Appropriate for Ages: All Ages

A Little Princess is a beautiful movie. It's sweet, heartfelt, intelligent, and it doesn't talk down to the audience. I've seen it several times and it brings tears to my eyes every time.

A Little Princess is about a young girl named Sara Crewe who is sent off to the same boarding school that her late mother attended when her wealthy father leaves to fight in the British army. At the school Sara almost immediately clashes with the headmistress Miss Minchin who bans all make-believe on the campus after she finds out that Sara is telling the other girls colorful tales. Sara continues to tell her tales, though late at night when the headmistress is asleep. Then one day Miss Minchin comes to Sara with news that her father has been killed in the war and in order to keep a roof over her head Sara will need to work as a servant and have no further contact with the students. Sara then moves to the dark dirty attic and befriends another servant girl. Although Sara has had everything taken from her at once and she now has to scrub floors and toilets she still hangs on the the belief that her father may still be out there.

A Little Princess is probably one of the most overlooked gems of the 90's. I'd recommend this captivating piece of work be seen by any age group, and I especially think this would make a lovely film for a mother and daughter to watch together.

A Little Princess on IMDB
A Little Princess Trailer on IMDB

If you've seen A Little Princess and enjoyed it you may also like: The Secret Garden, The Little Princess (1939), Matilda, Madeline (1998), Black Beauty

Plenty of Humor and Thrills: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

2010-06-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Release Date: June 23rd, 1989
Runtime: 93 min
Rating: PG
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

I had a blast watching Honey, I Shrunk the Kids back in the early 90's, and I appreciate it just as much now. Who couldn't have fun watching kids run though a forest of giant grass, ants that you can ride and legos you can sleep in?

Wayne Szalinski, an obsessed scientist, can't seem to get his miniaturization machine to work. He's stumped as to why it only seems to blow things up. Then one day one of the neighbor's kids next door hits a baseball though the attic window and it hits his machine which gets it working.When the kids next door come over to apologize and get their baseball back they get miniaturized along with Wayne's kids. Wayne accidentally sweeps all of them up and takes them out in the garbage. From there it's up to the kids to find their way back home through the now terrifying back yard with giant bugs, hurricane-like sprinklers and the lawn mower...

If for some reason you haven't seen Honey, I Shrunk the Kids yet please do, or please at least show it to your kids. It seems they don't make too many gems like this any more.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids on IMDB
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Trailer

If you've seen Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and enjoyed it you may also like: Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, Goonies, The Ant Bully, The Borrowers

Loopy but Enjoyable: National Treasure

2010-06-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

Release Date: November 19th, 2004
Runtime: 131 min
Rating: PG for action violence and some scary images
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

I'll just come right out and say it, National Treasure was silly. It had one of the most unrealistic plots I've seen in a long time, but I had a blast watching it.

National Treasure is about Ben Gates, a man who comes from a long line of treasure hunters who have all been hunting for the same treasure originally hidden by the founding fathers. The founding fathers apparently left clues as to its whereabouts hidden in plain site all over the county. When Ben finally thinks he's found where it is he finds yet another clue, a map on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Ben then learns that one of his associates plans to steal the Declaration and in order to protect the world's greatest treasure Ben must now steal it himself.

A deep and thought provoking plot? No. A super fun film to watch? Yes. If weak plots don't bother you and you're looking for some good fun filled entertainment for the whole family National Treasure is a very good choice. It's also extremely family friendly.

National Treasure on IMDB
National Treasure Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen National Treasure and enjoyed it you may also like: National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets, The Da Vinci Code, Lara Croft - Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Delightful Classic Fantasy: The Neverending Story

2010-06-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Release Date: July 20th, 1984
Runtime: 102 min
Rating: PG
Appropriate for Ages: 8 and up

The Neverending Story is another film I've watched many times while growing up. It's still fun to watch today as an adult and has only lost some of its magic for me through the years.

The Neverending Story is the tale of a lonely young boy named Bastian who is bullied by several of his classmates. One day when Bastian is running from the bullies he takes refuge in an old book shop. In the shop he is attracted to a strange leather bound novel. The store keeper warns him to keep away from it and that it is dangerous. Unable to resist Bastian "borrows" the book and retreats to an attic where he begins reading the story. The book is about a magical world called Fantasia that is in peril and on the brink of destruction by the storms of "nothingness". The gravely ill childlike princess sends a young warrior named Atreyu to find a way to save the kingdom. As Bastian becomes more and more immersed in the story he realizes that the characters are becoming aware of him and he's being written into the book.

The Neverending Story is an enjoyable ride where we see all sorts of fantasy creatures, strange lands and some unforgettable characters. I'd definitely recommend this for a fun watch to anyone but the wee little ones.

The Neverending Story on IMDB
The Neverending Story Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen The Neverending Story and enjoyed it You may also enjoy: The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, Eragon, The Dark Crystal, The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Spirited Away

Engaging and Honest: Holes

2010-06-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Release date: April 18th, 2003
Runtime: 117 min
Rating: PG for violence, mild language and some thematic events
Appropriate for Ages: 8 and up

One of the things I liked most about Holes was that unlike many other kids flicks out there this one does not insult one's intelligence. It's full of effective metaphors, inspiring dialogue, and witty humor.

A boy named Stanley Yelnats, wrongfully convicted of stealing, is sent to 'Camp Green Lake' a detention camp located in a dry lake bed in the middle of the desert. At this camp the mysterious warden and her cohorts force the camp-mates to dig holes every day to supposedly "build character". Stanley eventually musters up the courage to escape the camp with a fellow inmate and he stumbles across a secret that will finally expose whats really been going on.

This film is probably best suited for older children starting with those around the middle school ages. So if your looking for something to enjoy with your (older) kids this is definitely a must see.

Holes on IMDB
Holes Trailer on Traileraddict

If you've seen Holes and enjoyed it you may also like: Hoot, How to Eat Fried Worms, Bridge to Terabithia

Full of Family Values: Disney-Pixar's Finding Nemo

2010-06-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Release Date: May 30th, 2003
Runtime: 100 min
Rating: G
Appropriate for Ages: All ages

Finding Nemo is a father-son underwater adventure story that is sure to be enjoyed by the entire family. The Graphics are absolutely stunning, the story is fun and imaginative and it's stuffed with family values.

Finding Nemo follows a overprotective clownish father named Marlin on his journey to save his son Nemo after he gets taken by a scuba diver on his first day of school. Together with Dori, a forgetful blue tang, he ventures beyond the Great Barrier Reef into dangerous water filled with all sorts of friendly and not-so friendly marine life. Meanwhile, Nemo and his companions, who are being held in a fish tank in a doctor's office in Sydney Harbor, plan escape from their captives to get back to the harbor and live free once again.

Finding Nemo is an incredibly fun watch. It's funny and smart and just plain good natured. The animation is phenomenal as well, with the bright vivid chorals and plant and animal life. This really is a film that the whole family can sit down together and enjoy.

Finding Nemo on IMDB
Finding Nemo Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Finding Nemo and enjoyed it you may also like: Bee Movie, Shark Tale , Ice Age, Monsters, Inc., Antz, Shrek, Wall-E

Never a Dull Moment: Home Alone

2010-06-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Release Date: November 16th, 1990
Runtime: 103 min
Rating: PG
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

I grew up watching Home Alone. I loved this when I was a kid and I still appreciate it now. The plot is completely ridiculous and unbelievable but incredibly fun to watch.

Home alone is about an 8 year old boy named Kevin MacAllister who gets forgotten and left behind when his whole family heads to France for their Christmas vacation. At first he has a blast living on his own. With no adult supervision he is free to eat junk food, order pizza, jump on his parents bed, and watch TV programs he otherwise would not have been allowed to watch. Everything seems to be going great until he finds out the criminal team called the "Wet Bandits" plans on breaking into his house and rob it on Christmas Eve. Kevin acts quickly and sets up a very elaborate maze of booby traps to avert the bandits and bring them to justice. Ultimately Kevin ends up learning about the importance of family.

Home Alone is definitely full of a ton of laughs for the whole family so long as you don't take it seriously.

Home Alone on IMDB
Home Alone Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Home Alone and enjoyed it you may also like: Home Alone 2, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, Richie Rich

Simple and Sophisticated: Shrek

2010-06-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Release Date: May 18th, 2001
Runtime: 90 min
Rating: PG for mild language and some crude humor
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

Let me just start off by saying I love this movie. I've Shrek several times and it just never gets boring. The plot is easy for kids to follow and enjoy, but what makes Shrek stand out so much is its also smart and quick with jokes that go right over kid's heads. Some of the best parts of this move were actually aimed at an adult audience.

Shrek is set in a colorful fairytale land populated by dragons and ogres, princess and princesses, and many notable fairytale characters. When Lord Farquaad, the ruler of Duloc, banishes all of the fairytale beings to the woods, Shrek looses the privacy he had in his nice quiet swamp. Shrek then sets out with a loud-mouth donkey at his side to find Lord Farquaad and get him to take the fairytale beings back. When Shrek gets there Faquaad accepts on the condition that Shrek must rescue Princess Fiona who is to become Faguaad's bride. On their quest Shrek and Donkey run into all sorts of interesting characters and situations.

If you haven't seen Shrek yet you absolutely must. Even people who don't usually like movies that fall into this genre will probably get a good laugh or two out of it.

Shrek on IMDB
Shrek Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Shrek and you enjoyed it you may also like: Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, Stardust, The Princess Bride, Madagascar

Computer Generated Slapstick Comedy: Night at the Museum

2010-06-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

Release Date: December 22nd, 2006
Runtime: 108 min
Rating: PG for mild action, language and brief rude humor
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

I saw Night at the Museum a couple of years ago when it first came out. It's not one of my favorites, but I'm listing it here because it is still a fun watch if you don't expect too much out of it. It's also very kid friendly.

Night at the Museum is the story of a down-on-his luck divorced father named Larry who just can't seem to hold a job. When Larry finally lands a job as a night guard at The Museum of Natural History he gains some hope. One thing that the night guards who hired him failed to mention however was that the entire museum comes to life when the museum closes. The next thing Larry knows hes facing tiny armies of cowboys and romans, Egyptian mummies, a T-Rex skeleton and a monkey who taunts him to the breaking point. With the help of Teddy Roosevelt Larry must learn to get the museum under control so that ultimately he can save it.

Night at the Museum is often more silly than it is funny and seems to fall a bit short of it's potential. The premise of everything in the museum coming to life after dark is just amazing but the execution was kind of weak. Kids will probably enjoy watching this while parents can probably take it or leave it.

Night at the Museum on IMDB
Night at the Museum Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Night at the Museum and liked it I'd recommend seeing: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Jumanji, National Treasure, The Indian in the Cupboard, Zathura

Intelligent, Funny and Insightful: The Truman Show

2010-06-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Release Date: June 5th, 1998
Runtime: 103 min
Rating: PG for thematic events and mild language
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

I really enjoyed The Truman Show. This is another movie that I've watched multiple times. The story is just out of this world and super fun to watch. It was witty, humorous, and insightful.

Truman Burbank is a happy go lucky guy with a pleasant life. He has a an ordinary job, an ordinal friend, an ordinary wife, and even an ordinary neighbor. What he doesn't know is that his entire life has been on film since the day he was born. Everything around him is fake, the people are actors, his job doesn't actually serve a real purpose, product placements are slapped all around him, even the sky isn't real. One day Truman becomes suspicious and begins to question the world around him.

The whole prospect of someones entire life being broadcast on a reality TV show back when this originally came out was pretty wild. Now with this incredible reality TV boom we seem to be in it makes one wonder if this is the direction we could be heading in. The Truman Show is a movie that I'd recommend for the whole family minus the wee little ones.

The Truman Show on IMDB
The Truman Show Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen The Truman Show and liked it you may also like: Lemony Snicket's a Series of Unfortunate Events, Pleasantville, Bruce Almighty

Classic Tale of Good vs. Evil: Willow

2010-06-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Release Date: May 20th, 1988

Runtime: 126 min
Rating: PG
Appropriate for Ages: 4 and up

Willow is one of my all time favorite fantasy adventure movies. I don't even know how many times I've seen Willow, but I'm sure it could fill two hands. The fun story, likable characters, and nice visuals will definitely make this worth your time.

Willow stars Val Kilmer as Madmartigan the self proclaimed worlds greatest swordsman and Warwick Davis as Willow Ufgood a peaceful farmer and wannabe sorcerer from a small village of little folk called Nelwyn. When the evil Queen Bavmorda begins looking for the infant child that is prophesied to take her throne the child is sent down a river and found by Willow. On his way to return the baby to her own kind Willow meets up with Madmartigan and together they set out on a journey through a mystical land of magic and monsters to protect the baby from evil and fulfill the prophecy.

Willow is an excellent choice for children who have outgrown the Disney variety of film and want something with a little more edge. It has some mystery, action, comedy, a small bit of romance and of course the moral lesson of good overcoming evil. Although the technology used to make this is clearly outdated, it is an amazing piece of work that should be watched and re-watched.

Willow on IMDB

Willow Trailer on YouTube

If you've seen Willow and enjoyed it I would also recommend seeing: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Dragonheart, The Neverending Story, Legend